Otjimuhaka: Otjimuhaka Primary School in the Epupa Constituency is facing a severe water crisis after flooding along the Kunene River submerged its garden and washed away a water pumping cylinder, leaving the school without water supply. The situation follows an urgent flood warning issued by NamPower to residents and communities along the Kunene River after heavy rainfall in southern Angola.According to Namibia Press Agency, NamPower spokesperson Leonard Shemuvalula stated that large volumes of water are flowing towards Ruacana, and the power utility planned to open a second floodgate at the diversion weir of the Ruacana Power Station to manage the rising inflow. The flooding has severely impacted Otjimuhaka Primary School, as explained by the school principal, Elias Uusizi, who reported that the damage has completely disrupted access to water, forcing learners to rely on unsafe river water.Uusizi highlighted the submersion of the school garden and the loss of the water pumping cylinder as critical setba cks that have left the institution without any water supply. As a result, learners are now compelled to fetch water directly from the Kunene River, which poses significant health and safety risks.The Ministry of Health and Social Services responded by donating water purification tablets to the school during an assessment visit following the flooding. Uusizi further explained that the floods have disrupted movement in and out of the area, leaving some learners stranded due to inaccessible routes, particularly those crossing from Angola.The principal noted that similar conditions were experienced last year, forcing learners to remain at the school until water levels receded and access routes were restored. Additionally, he expressed concerns over food shortages affecting the school feeding program and ongoing challenges such as the lack of fencing, poor sanitation facilities, and inadequate lighting around the hostel.Uusizi emphasized the urgent need for clean water interventions, including boreholes and water purification systems, as well as improvements in infrastructure like fencing and toilets, to support the approximately 300 learners accommodated at the school.